What to do with kids in London: Shoreditch and Spitalfields
Shoreditch and Spitalfields, two of East London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, offer a treasure trove of experiences for families looking to explore beyond the typical tourist haunts. These areas, known for their eclectic mix of history and cutting-edge culture, provide a unique playground for children to discover the city’s creative spirit. From interactive art installations to quirky markets, and from urban farms to innovative play spaces, Shoreditch and Spitalfields blend education with entertainment in a way that captivates young minds. This guide will take you through a variety of family-friendly activities that showcase the best of these dynamic districts, ensuring an unforgettable London adventure for visitors of all ages. Whether your children are budding artists, curious historians, or simply in search of fun, these neighbourhoods have something special to offer for all, providing a refreshing alternative to the more traditional sightseeing spots in central London.
About the area
Shoreditch and Spitalfields are located, just north east of the City of London financial district. These areas are famous for their eclectic mix of street art, vintage markets, cutting-edge fashion, and diverse food scene. Bordered by the City of London to the west, Bethnal Green to the east, Hoxton to the north, and Tower Hill to the south, Shoreditch and Spitalfields have transformed from working-class districts into cultural hotspots.
Families might want to visit with kids to experience the area’s unique blend of history and modernity, explore its creative atmosphere, and enjoy family-friendly attractions that cater to various interests.
The neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Spitalfields offer a different side of London compared to more traditional tourist areas, providing an opportunity for children to engage with contemporary urban culture and art in a fun, accessible way.
What to do in Shoreditch and Spitalfields with children?
Let’s explore into some of the best things to do in Shoreditch and Spitalfields for families visiting London.
Check out street art
Shoreditch and Spitalfields are renowned for their vibrant street art scene, making them a veritable outdoor gallery that’s perfect for curious young minds. Large-scale murals, intricate stencils, and colourful graffiti adorn buildings, walls, and even street furniture throughout the area. This ever-changing urban canvas features works by both famous and emerging artists, offering a fun way for kids to engage with contemporary art outside the confines of traditional museums. The bold colours, imaginative designs, and often playful or thought-provoking themes can spark children’s creativity and inspire discussions about art and expression.
Street art can be found scattered throughout the area. For a good start, walk along Brick Lane and explore its surrounding streets. Make sure you look out for one of Banksy’s most recent animal art works – three monkeys hanging out on a bridge – towards the top end of Brick Lane.
As you wander the streets, ask kids to spot specific colours, shapes, or characters in the artwork. This not only makes the walk more engaging but also encourages children to look closely at their surroundings.
Browse the stalls at Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields Market is a treasure trove of excitement for children, offering a sensory adventure amid its bustling atmosphere. The market’s eclectic mix of stalls and shops provides endless opportunities for young explorers to discover unique items and experiences. Food stalls offer a chance to sample diverse flavours, from artisanal sweets to international cuisines, appealing to adventurous young taste buds.
Go bowling at All Star Lanes
All Star Lanes on Brick Lane offers a fantastic, family-friendly entertainment option that’s perfect for breaking up a day of sightseeing in Shoreditch and Spitalfields. This retro-style bowling alley provides a fun-filled experience that appeals to kids and adults alike.
The venue features six well-maintained bowling lanes, creating an intimate and less overwhelming environment compared to larger alleys.
The venue also serves a menu of American-style comfort food, including kid-friendly options like burgers, fries, and milkshakes, making it a great spot for a casual family meal.
All Star Lanes provides an enjoyable indoor activity that’s perfect for rainy days or when the family needs a break from outdoor exploring. Children under 18 years are permitted to enter the venue and bowl when accompanied by an adult up until 6pm (the last bowling time slot is 5pm).
Visit Spitalfields City Farm
Spitalfields City Farm offers a delightful rural escape in the heart of urban East London, making it a perfect destination for families with children of all ages. This community-run farm provides kids with the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, including donkeys, goats, pigs, and chickens.
The farm often hosts interactive events and workshops, such as animal feeding sessions, gardening clubs, and seasonal activities.
It’s an educational and sensory experience that contrasts beautifully with the bustling streets of Shoreditch and Spitalfields. Whilst it won’t rival less rural farm parks, it offers a refreshing break and the chance for children to connect with nature and animals in an unexpected urban setting.
Take a Jack the Ripper walking tour
A Jack the Ripper walking tour through the atmospheric streets of Whitechapel and Spitalfields offers a glimpse into one of London’s most infamous historical mysteries. These guided walks typically trace the footsteps of the notorious serial killer, visiting crime scenes and discussing the social context of Victorian London.
While the subject matter is undoubtedly intriguing, it’s important to note that these tours are generally not suitable for young children due to the gruesome nature of the crimes discussed. The tours are best suited for older teenagers (typically 14+) and adults who can handle the mature themes and sometimes graphic descriptions. Parents should use their discretion, considering their child’s maturity level and sensitivity to scary or violent content.
For families with older teens interested in history and true crime, a Jack the Ripper tour can provide a unique perspective on East London’s past. A number of different tour companies and leaders exist. Do your research to ensure that whichever tour your choose will be suitable for your family’s needs.
Experience the buzz of Brick Lane
Brick Lane offers a vibrant and multicultural experience that can captivate children with its sights, sounds, and smells. This bustling street is famous for its array of vintage markets, street food stalls, and quirky shops that kids will find fascinating to explore.
On Sundays, the Brick Lane Market comes alive, transforming the area into a treasure trove of curiosities where children can discover everything from vintage toys and comic books to unique crafts and antiques.
The eclectic mix of sights and experiences on Brick Lane provides an engaging and educational outing that showcases London’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Visit Boxpark
Boxpark Shoreditch offers a unique shopping experience for families exploring the area. This pop-up mall, constructed from refitted shipping containers, is a hub of trendy shops, diverse eateries, and fun events that can captivate visitors of all ages.
The ground floor hosts a variety of retail outlets where children can browse quirky items, colourful accessories, and cutting-edge fashion. The upper level is a food lover’s paradise, featuring an eclectic mix of street food vendors serving cuisines from around the world – perfect for encouraging young taste buds to try new flavours.
With its innovative concept and ever-changing offerings, Boxpark provides a modern urban experience that reflects the creative spirit of the neighbourhood, making it an engaging stop for families looking to immerse themselves in East London’s contemporary culture.
Visit nearby Whitechapel Gallery
The Whitechapel Gallery, located on the edge of Spitalfields, offers a fantastic opportunity for children to engage with contemporary art in a welcoming environment. Primarily known for its cutting-edge exhibitions, this is one for older children and teenagers.
Visiting the Whitechapel Gallery not only exposes children to diverse artistic expressions but also helps develop their critical thinking and creative skills in a stimulating, non-intimidating setting.
The Whitechapel Gallery’s displays, commissions and archive galleries are free and open all year round (they sometimes host ticketed and paid exhibitions).
Spot public art
Exploring the area around Spitalfields Market offers an exciting opportunity for children to engage with public art in a unique urban setting. This neighbourhood is home to numerous eye-catching and often whimsical art installations that can turn a simple walk into an artistic treasure hunt.
Spot ‘I Goat’, a statue by Kenny Hunter that is inspired by the people of the area, goats being associated with non-conformity and being independently-minded. Also look out for Gillie and Marc’s Herd of Hope – a herd of life-size bronze elephants. Encourage your children to keep their eyes peeled for other art works in the area!
Find hidden history
Charnel House offers a unique glimpse into London’s medieval past. Located near Spitalfields Market, this 12th-century structure was once part of the Priory of St. Mary Spital and served as a storage place for bones from the overflow of the priory’s cemetery. Today, the remains of the Charnel House are preserved under a glass floor, allowing visitors to peer into history literally beneath their feet. The site offers information panels that explain its significance, making it an educational stop that brings history to life in a tangible way.
Play mini-golf
Junkyard Golf Club in Shoreditch offers a whimsical and entertaining experience that’s sure to delight both children and adults. This isn’t your average mini golf course – it’s a quirky, neon-lit adventure through themed holes on one of four different courses.
Kids will be thrilled by the creative and often outlandish obstacles, which might include everything from old cars and bathtubs to mannequins and disco balls. The venue features multiple 9-hole courses, each with its own unique theme, providing variety.
While primarily geared towards adults in the evenings, Junkyard Golf welcomes families during the day, making it a perfect activity for a fun-filled afternoon. Remember to check age restrictions and opening times for families.
Visit the Young V&A
The Young V&A, formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, is a short trip from Shoreditch and Spitalfields (it’s just one stop on the Central Line – Liverpool Street to Bethnal Green – or a bus ride or walk away). It offers an immersive and interactive experience designed specifically for children. Recently renovated and reopened, this museum is a wonderland of creativity and learning for young visitors.
For more information, see our post Visiting the Young V&A with children: everything you need to know.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
Do you have a great tip for something to do with kids in Shoreditch or Spitalfields? Share with other readers in the comments!